I effd up - Paint on the roof - HALP!

"RWS Motorsport" (rwsmotorsport)
04/03/2017 at 14:20 • Filed to: None

So, assistance is needed.

I was fixing some rust on Rhonda the other day and I finished up by spraying over the repaired rust. Now, this is where the first fuck up happened. I masked up 1 newspaper sheet from the paint, thinking this would be fine. It was not. I have cleaned the overspray of the window, rubber and exposed paintwork, but the roof still has speckles. see the photo below.

Now here is the second fuck up. Whilst polishing the paint off the side of the bodywork, I spilt some on the roof. This also won’t come off.

So, does anyone have any suggestions to solve these issues? Im trying to avoid the paint seeping into the roof. Sods law this is the new roof, not the shitty old one I replaced back in November.

Thanks in advance.

DISCUSSION (30)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:24

I would take nail polish remover (diluted acetone) and wet a cloth and gently try and rub away the paint. But don’t get too aggressive, you might damage the top.

Mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol might be good to try as well. Do you know what type of paint was used?

Sir Halffast > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:24

Now you have to spray paint the whole roof to even it out.

Nibby > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:24

Well, now that it has *some* paint on it, might as well paint the whole thing.

crowmolly > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:30

What type of paint was it?

TysMagic > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:30

have you tried a top cleaner of some sort with a light brush?

RWS Motorsport > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
04/03/2017 at 14:31

ah good shout thanks!

I was tempted with brake cleaner which is essentially that, my only concern is that it will dilute the paint and then it will stain the roof rather than be specks now if that makes sense? I might try and get some on a cotton bud and try one of the spots that is out of the way. Im also a bit concerned it might take the black dye out of the roof. Its super annoying as its all in a really obvious place too so i’m really nervous about trying anything in case it makes it worse :(

RWS Motorsport > Nibby
04/03/2017 at 14:31

I did always want a hard top. Maybe a layer of filler first...

RWS Motorsport > Sir Halffast
04/03/2017 at 14:31

Or spray over it black?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:32

Yeah if you apply the solvent to the roof itself, the fabric will absorb it and the solvent could damage it. By applying the solvent to a rag, it is being held in the rag and some pressure on the spot you want to clean will help reduce the chance of damaging the roof.

RWS Motorsport > TysMagic
04/03/2017 at 14:32

I have tried Autoglym roof cleaner, http://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/interior-cleaning-vacuums/autoglym-cabriolet-fabric-hood-maintenance-kit but it didnt work.

RWS Motorsport > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
04/03/2017 at 14:33

Very good shout. I might just give that a try at the weekend.

RWS Motorsport > crowmolly
04/03/2017 at 14:36

Umm spray paint, its proper car body paint but not 100% sure exactly what it’s made of. https://www.holtsauto.com/holts/paintmatchpro/ is the stuff but it doesn’t say the exact constituent parts.

TysMagic > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:40

then the nail polish remover is your next step!
If you want some creative steps, I would bet removing paint from that top would be similar to cleaning a canvas shoe. I’ve looked that up on google before and there are all kinds of options.

BorkBorkBjork > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:44

You could try to use a carpet cleaner with a bit of solvent in it, but you better post a picture of you running a rug doctor up and down your roof.

crowmolly > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 14:52

I’d try a powerwasher CAREFULLY before going to any tougher chemicals.

RWS Motorsport > crowmolly
04/03/2017 at 15:15

Thats a good shout, yeah I have a Powerwasher with loads of pressure settings so might try that.

RWS Motorsport > TysMagic
04/03/2017 at 15:16

Oo yeah thats a really good shout. Thats probably the closest material there is, I might buy a really cheap crappy pair and try stuff on them.

RWS Motorsport > BorkBorkBjork
04/03/2017 at 15:17

Haha that does actually sound quite tempting just for the photo!

Svend > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 15:22

Try paint thinners on a cocktail stick or cotton bud and then use a make-up remover pad to gently blot it off.

But best thing to do is contact the makers of the roof, they’ll of come across this a thousan times from customers and will be able to offer the best advice for their roofs.

Remember, after using any chemicals on the roof to use a roof cleaner to remove any and all traces of the chemical as early as possible and re-treat the fabric with a good fabric sealant.

crowmolly > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 15:23

I’ve done it on vinyl before and it worked, just be mindful of your pressure and don’t get all up ons with the wand. Start far away and work your way close.

Monkey B > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 15:27

For the wax try simple green or similar and a toothbrush. It’s a degreaser and will remove wax....try it on the paint too as it may be fresh and small enough to work. I usually cut 50/50 water to simple green (and similar degeasing products) but 100% should be safe.

Test an inconspicuous spot if you have one with acetone on a clean towel. Should work for the paint. The towel will help get to the deeper stuff. Spray paint doesn’t really cure, so it should soften easy with the acetone. I can’t speak for the color fastness of your particular top...and in fact a window cleaner on a towel may accomplish the same as acetone come to think of it so give it a whirl first. Use a white towel and you’ll see if it’s removing color.

You might find simple green with a little acetone mix might do well too. 20% acetone to SG.

source: I do this shit for a living...I do not guarantee results though.

Monkey B > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 15:28

just go straight acetone...works better and that’s what nail polish essentially is but dries slower and, IMO, stinks more.

RWS Motorsport > Svend
04/03/2017 at 15:35

Genuinely didnt consider contacting the guys who made the roof, very good shout.

Does seem the concensus is paint thinners - acetone - brake cleaner etc so that might just be the way to go.

Any ideas on the polish? that seems to be just as stubborn as the paint :(

RWS Motorsport > crowmolly
04/03/2017 at 15:36

Start gently and work up to it. Seems sage advice.

RWS Motorsport > Monkey B
04/03/2017 at 15:38

White towel + acetone seems a really good way to check the colour fastness thanks. I will try it in an inconspicuous area first though.

Acetone definately seems to be the thing, will try and get some this week to try at the weekend.

I will look into the simple green stuff too, as the polish is the thing i see every day as its the palest.

Rico > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 16:22

Maybe try CarPro Eraser. It’s what I use to clean up paint polish so I can have a completely clean surface for applying a coating or sealant. Not sure how if it will work on fabric or not.

Svend > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 16:41

Okay. I didn’t see the bit about the polish on the roof (I was on the way out to work, yay nightshift, nope).

If it’s a water based polish like Gtechniq P1, it’ll wash straight off, however most aren’t and will need an all purpose cleaner an an detailing brush. Spray onto wettened area and then using a soft brush work in, in small circular motions to allow the bristles to get right into the fibres without damaging them and then thoroughly rinse. If the soft bristle brush doesn’t work on the dried in areas, etc... repeat with a stiffer nylon brush, again in small circular motions, try not to be too aggressive as the fibres will start to pill, if this happens you can get a pill removing shaver from eBay for about £7 (I keep one in my detailing kit for when seats and carpets start to pill, so you’ll always have use for it in the future).

If you’ve got a wet vacuum cleaner, clean a small area then vacuum up to see where your at and then repeat if necessary.

I you haven’t a wet’dry vacuum, check KarcherOutlet.co.uk and you can get a WD2.2 for £35.

Monkey B > RWS Motorsport
04/03/2017 at 18:26

dawn dish detergent would probably work on the wax too.

RWS Motorsport > Svend
04/04/2017 at 08:24

Thanks! - and there wasn’t any rush - its raining and horrible today here anyway so staying polished for a few more days.

Any recommendations for an all purpose cleaner? Ill have a look for a soft brush as i have a firm brush to use already in that case.

Will use the housemates wet-vac to clear it up after too.

Svend > RWS Motorsport
04/04/2017 at 14:43

Most all purpose cleaners such as Flash Citrus Power, etc...

Kinja'd!!!

Like this.

In fact here’s an article on DW from a while ago of generally how to clean a roof.

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=181177